How to Make Camera Filters for Special Effects

Special effects filters for cameras are wonderful ways to enhance or alter images. As cameras became smaller and more advanced, the need for large, framed special effects equipment waned. Digital cameras offer special effects features built right into the camera's software. There are still some ways of creating neat special effects filters to alter images the old-fashioned way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lens filters
• Construction paper
• Petroleum jelly
• Sheer materials

1. Inspect the lens of the camera for thread mounts. This means the lens itself can accept a screw-on filter to alter the look of an image. Other lenses simply need a filter that snaps onto the front of the lens.
2. Shop for the special effect filter size needed for the desired result. Many stores offer an entire area dedicated to just lens filters. Note the size of the screw mount for the front of the lens. Many times this number is in millimeters. A 52 mm lens filter is a common example.
3. Decide on just what special effects will produce the desired result. A graduated lens filter offers color to the top or bottom of the filter causing a sunset effect. These are very common for beach or snow images. Others include polarizing, colored filters and skylight filters.
4. Make a filter for the lens. Try cutting shapes out of black construction paper and place in front of the lens. Buy some inexpensive extra clear filters and smear a Vaseline-type product lightly around the perimeter of the glass for a neat vignette effect.
5. Place a clear, cut-crystal bowl in front of the lens for a multi-image effect. Place just about any kind of fabric or sheer material in front of the lens and experiment with different materials for different effects.

Tips & Warnings

• Look in the pantry for strange shapes or items that might offer a new lens filter idea. There are no wrong answers for these experiments.
• Never apply any material on the camera's actual lens that can't be removed. Use old lens filters to apply special effects to avoid damage to the camera or lenses.